Legere American Cut | Synthetic Sax Reed vs. Cane

What about Studio Cut? Is it the same type? Or Studio Cut approximately to American Cut?

tried two American cuts- my cheap Rico sounded way better, better response. Sent both plastic reeds back.

Hi Doc I watched this video again and wanted to add a couple other cons if I may. I have a Reed Geek (reed adjuster tool which you are probably familiar with) which I have used on my cane reeds and all of my other synthetic reeds which I have used. I have been told however that you should not attempt to adjust (shave, clip, etc.) Legere reeds (needless to say if you ruined one you would lose a significant amount of money). And the other con that goes with that is that (that's a lot of thats) not all the reeds sound the same. So it is very important for me to label the case and the reed itself with a marker so I know which one I am using. And if one of them chips (which is what happened to one of my favorites I have to keep buying more till I find another one that sounds and plays the same.

Been on them for years, huge for doubling as I always struggled with hydration and had to wet me reed constantly. But the single biggest win is economics. I generate $3000 in revenue on one reed…

Currently, I play contra-alto clarinet with an orchestra and concert band and bari sax in a quartet. For contra, I ONLY play Legere! The wavelength of the vibration of the reed DESTROYS the reed, particularly cane reeds, VERY quickly. The Vandoren cane reed would last less than a month! Plus, I'd have 1, maybe 2, from a box of 5 that would actually play nicely. I never learned to adjust reeds, maybe I should. The Rico cane reeds for contra are a joke and have never found one that I liked. Legere, on the other hand, lasts a very long time. On contra, I rehearse 4 hours per week and perform for another hour. I use about 6 reeds per year. I will be playing on 4 at a time; 2 for practice/rehearsal and 2 for performance. The two for practice are the previous set of performance reeds. This costs about $200/yr for the Legere, but for the Vandoren, if I average 2 good reeds out of the 5 in the box, and assume $50/box, I would spend close to $600/yr!!!
Legere are CONSISTENT! I have no qualms about opening a new Legere reed, slapping on the MP and performning. I know it will WORK and work well right from the box. I have only had ONE issue with a new reed, and Legere replaced it free of charge.
For my sax work, I have not found a Legere that does what I need in terms of tone. I usually choose FribreCell. That being said, I have not tested the American cut on bari or tenor.

Any comments about the Classical cut?

THAY ALL SOUND THE SAME ? IF THAY WORK 😎 COOL

Near beginner here. Are these a good match with the 56 mouthpiece? Recommended ligature - Rovner of some flavor? Thx, love your channel!

I play Alto in two concert bands and now only
use the Legere American Cut reed in
conjunction with the Claude Delange
mouthpiece.

I love the tone I get from the reeds.
More importantly after we take rehearsal or
gig breaks I don’t need to re-wet the reed.
They are ready to play straight away.

I love the consistency of the reeds and the
longevity. The quarter strengths allow me
to precisely select the reed for the
mouthpiece being used.

I do find the reeds soften slightly over time.

I use Legere on Clarinet and Sax (only new to Sax).
I ❤ them. Only beef is, I cannot open the reed cases, and is really hard to get reed out the plastic holders. So I throw them away and use a reed case.
Summery, life is too short to use Cane reeds! 😊

I’m fairly new to the sax and an adult learner, I’m already sick to death of swopping cane reeds , they work one minute come back to them and they are dead looking like corrugated iron. I tried the signature and I am pleased with it. I have an American cut in the post. My music teacher ( professional saxophonist) told me to stop using the synthetic and go to cane. However recently he told me he was struggling with unpredictability of the current crop of cane reeds. He puts this down to droughts and a shortage of 5 year old mature cane. He reckons the cane currently used is often only 1 year old , and as such is not mature and is still moving.

I play other instruments on gigs and will often put my horn down for 30-45 minutes a time. I switched to synthetic for this and it’s been awesome. Reed is always ready to go.

I noticed they do get soft over time and they do not last forever.

I love playing with my Legere reeds. I sound better to myself and they're so easy blowing. My one beef: the moisture from my breath condenses on the reed, and droplets accumulate there, giving that "spittle" sound. They're not absorbent like cane reeds are. I've been using newprint to dry the reed without having to remove it from the mouthpiece. It's thin, fairly absorbent, and firm enough to slide in to the space between the reed and mouthpiece. I'd like to know if anybody has other solutions. Legere must be aware of this. I wish they would come up with a tool to deal with it.

I use cane on my tenor but at winery gigs I use American cut on alto as it doesn't dry out while I'm playing tenor. I only use the alto on a few songs so it works great, I can grab the alto and know the reed will sound.

I had been using the American Cut since they came out, got used to the material, and now I really enjoy been able to work in the sound instead of adapting to the never ending changing reed temperament, the cane sometimes gives you more color" but if you compare I feel the Legere tends to be more even through the hole scale, leaving me to work in the sound I can produce, thank you for you great videos.

I used one in college and my saxophone professor was pretty neutral. He didn’t recommend them, but he also didn’t say I couldn’t use them. He left the decision up to me to explore and to see how it worked for me. I honestly love playing them because they’re so responsive and consistent and purchasing one that is on point especially after you find the one that is perfect vs having to sift through a box of ten cane reeds and only finding one or two that work is in my opinion a better investment. Not only that but synthetic reeds are moving up in the ranks due to the improvements in their design and the different cuts. Hence, I see them becoming a normal thing and cane will still be available but not for the faint of time to break them in. Great video and info as always Dr. WW! God bless!

I have in the last week been trying the legare classical cut. For alto and tenor sax. I started off purchasing a 2.5 for my alto sax. Could not get a sound out of it.
I then purchased strength 2 for my alto and tenor. Tenor sound is brilliant just adore the sound. Still can not get a sound out of the alto Reed strength 2.
Mouthpiece atto link tip opening 8 for both alto and tenor saxophone.

Though I prefer cane reeds, I have no problems with Legere reeds. They are the best synthetic reeds I've played. The thing that kept me from switching over was the feel, I just couldn't get used to them. Like most synthetic reeds, I have found that (depending on the cut) they can run significantly heavier than cane reeds of the same strength. Especially the "Classic" version which you didn't have for this review. I tried a 3.25 in that cut on my classical setup and it was so hard that I could barely get a sound out of it. Again, just my experience. I know lots of players who use them and sound fantastic. Also, I wouldn't have a problem if one of my students used them. They are quality reeds and it's definitely worth giving them a shot. My experiences with them is that there is a difference in the tone. Your tone sounded different with each of the demonstrations in this video. We all noticed the difference because we literally heard you play the exact same thing back to back to back. Each demonstration sounded great and as to which tone was the best, well that is subjective. Players just need to go with what they find to be the most comfortable. Now having said that, if I were in the audience at one of your gigs I would have no idea what reeds you were using.

For beginning players, they can be a good choice because they are very consistent and that can take a variable out of diagnosing playing issues. They are also durable, so for kids in school band and marching band they can be a good choice. Many of my friends who do a lot of doubling like them because they can switch from instrument to instrument without having to worry about their reeds drying out.

By the way, I have really been enjoying your videos. Lots of excellent information. Keep up the great work.

They sound too nasal… i’ve tried so many synthetic reeds, never found one which come close to cane… they are good for hot days, or high altitude, or ultra dry days in the snow… otherwise can is king.

Has anyone noticed that Dr. Wally sounds a lot like Tucker Carlson? Of course Tucker is a horrible person, and Dr. Willy is a treasure, but you have to admit they have almost the same cadence and vocal affect

I played saxophone as an amateur for almost 12 years and...stopped. I couldn't handle the reed cane stress anymore, never knowing if the reed or me was the problem when playing poorly. I'm going to buy one right now and who knows it will help me start playing again. If yes, I owe you this 😄

Hi, from Africa here, I have alto metal theo wanne durga 3 * 6, tenor *7 and jody jazz soprano *6 .... I have tried many labels of bamboo reeds 2.5 a little hard,.... 2.. too soft.... I would like to go for synthetic Reed, I don't know which to go for🤔

Cane is better, but Legère isn't bad at all

I'm late to the party, but I just picked sax up again after 30 years away. I've been wrestling with cane reeds since starting back and it's been really frustrating while trying to develop an embouchure again and find a reed, any reed, that I wasn't constantly tinkering with. WOWOWOWOW! Hello Legere American Cut! Where have you been all my life. I can slap that puppy on and actually work on playing, rather than fiddling with the stupid reed. Game changer! And I never would have tried if I hadn't seen your video, Dr. Wally, so thanks!

Hey for what's worth, I get a lot out of your videos and the way you present information. It's been a big help to me as I continue to learn sax and use it in my music.

I have been using Legere for several years playing in a Concert band. After trying multiple mouthpieces I decided on the Selmer Concept which I really love. I now can spend my time practicing the repertoir rather than trying to make the reed work.
I also often get praise on my tone quality, I know that does not entirely depend on the setup.
The only issue is the condensation that builds up on the reed, that makes me have to wipe of the reed more often.
But all in all, I will never change back to cane....

I'm classically trained, been playing for 40 years - now playing rock, blues, and a bit of jazz (my stretch goal!). Our prof in university back in the 80s was a Vandoren player 100%. 6 years ago I tried Legere - best thing that ever happened to me, never going back! All the reasons you mention are bang on - especially removing the reed variable - that's a HUGE plus, timewise and psychologically lol. Leger is based in a town not far from where I live in Toronto - I'm extremely proud of this Canadian success story. I've had to experiment with my style and strength several times - and every time I've used their exchange policy, they've been 100% supportive (even with some dialogue via email to help me decide). Currently looking at the Tenor American Cut 2.75 (quarter strengths rule!) I bought yesterday - took it out of the box and played a gig last night, no problemo. I agree with you on the case. In fact I wish they would not include a case and reduce the price. They should re-design the case for 4 reeds and sell it separately, so we only buy it once. If only I had these reeds 30 years ago.

I’ve heard there’s a difference in comparing thicknesses of synthetic versus cane. What exactly is the size comparison, is a Legere 2.5 more like a 3 cane? If anyone is aware of the actual size difference please let me know.

Great video! Very helpful. Your tone is actually MUCH better on the real cane reed.

ps forgive my bad english! i m italian spaghetti & maccheroni! (slurp!) 😋🎷😋🎷😋

well... talking about the good music you play in this video i absolutely prefer kane reed sound, no doubt. Both Legier sound a little bit like Donald Duck was singing a beatifull melody 😜🤪😜🤪😜😁 and if this happen to you maestro, uah, i think my poor sound will be more qua qua qua ... i think it will be like a very little Donald Duck in the pool! 😀😄😀😂😀😄😀😂😋 🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆

Hey Dr. Wally. I trust all is well. I got to spend some time playing on the Legere reeds . 2.00 American cut for both soprano & alto I love them so much that I got one for my tenor. But the soprano may require a 2.5 or 3.00

I bought 2 legere and im hoping i can use them in band.

As a pro sax/clarinet player and teacher for over 50 years, one of the best features, which goes unsaid in your video, is for doublers. I can play a show or other performance, play on clarinet for 15 minutes, and pick up my alto without even worrying about whether the reed is dried out. I pick up my double and it just plays fine immediately-often its alto going to tenor- same reliable result. What a fantastic feature of the Legere reeds that I use on all my single reeds instruments! As you did cover, the weather situation is also totally eliminated- (except maybe for the temp of the surroundings, but that’s not the problem of the reed.)

I have tried Legere twice now. I'm not a fan. I do like synthetic reeds. I prefer Fibracell. Please know, I am not a great sax player as some of you are. I am first a guitarist and 2nd a sax player. I like to have the sax next to me on stage and pick it up a few times a night for certain songs and hooks. So, take that into consideration on my opinion. I do prefer synthetic reeds because I never have to worry about the reed being warmed up or wet enough.

Fibracell reeds have never let me down.

Hey, Doc. Where can I find your more thorough "studio" assessment?

Doesn't seem to be much negativity for Legere reeds at all. I've used them for three years, and they just work. No warping, no trimming, no scraping, no hoping, no guessing; totally balanced straight out of the box. You put it on and play it. I used to spend quite a lot of time picking a reed for each weeks band rehearsal. Not anymore. I've been playing one for nearly a year with no loss in performance. I guess it probably has dropped a bit but it's been so gradual I haven't notice it. Yes, it's quite expensive, but the pro's far outway the cons.

It's cane for me....

The AL3 was my main, until I tried a selmer concept which is great when you used it. It’s made for classical but I use it for jazz as well, even though I have a V16 A5.

Life is short, and more complicates as time goes by.
Music , especially Jazz is very complicated music
The saxophone is a very inexact instrument with a lot of potential leaks and things that can go out of adjustment
On top of all, a cane reed that plays well now and the conditions change and it will not play at all,
More than often 70 percent of the cane reeds in a box do not work
99.99999999999 percent of the audience will never know if the Saxophonist was using a synthetic reed .
In a master class at Jamey Aebersold camp ,Dave Liebman played the most beautiful solo on Body and Soul that I have heard and when all the students and professionals asked him about his setup, all of us were blown away when we heard that he was playing a Bary reed, nothing compare to the Legeres.
Long ago I switched to Legere Signature and my life became much more easy.
Professional musicians are very immature (that is why they are very creative), and that is why you will find them fighting with these reeds problems as if their audience and even their fellow musicians will never guess as it happened to all of us with the Dave Liebman's anecdote.

I'm loving the jazzy intro with the Spacesuits,is this something you wrote or is it from a Jazz standard.

So far I have only played BARI synthetic reeds from about 1990. I can only get about 4 octaves total range on my tenor vs. the 5 1/2 I can get on cane or Plasticover reeds. 😒 Also, the insides of my lower lip get caught between the reed and the mouthpiece. 😖 until it bleeds. There is also the cracking issue. I do play loud and use an open facing mouthpiece (.130) Are more recent brands of synthetic reeds any better? 🤔

A giant box of $30 per reed. Wow! Nice perk. I use both cane and the Legere American cut. They sound a bit different, to me. I like both, but the Legere irritate my bottom lip after an hour of practice. I'll keep rotating them in my practice sessions, but mostly the Jazz Green

I’d like to know how the strength (hardness v. Softness) compare to other brands of cane reeds, i.e., a 2.5 in the American cut Legere is the same or close to a 2.5 as “brand-X” cane reed.

I love legere!

Hey Dr. Wally. I hope your having a great day. Thank you for creating this video. I just got the Legere American Cut reeds for my alto and soprano. I'm looking forward to working with them.

1 year later..are you still using them? I'm a pro doubler and I've switched on most of my horns. It's just easier to manage, as I'm not playing all the horns all the time. Only exception I have one jazz tenor mouthpiece/lig combo where it does sound like plastic.

they have a very good sound, they are stable and do not break, they last at least a year

Also better for the environment. Yeah they're plastic, but cane reeds come in individual plastic casings. Since this replaces a whole box of cane reeds, it actually uses less plastic.